Since the invention of the skateboard as an alternative to surfing in California there have been tricks that have been completed by skateboard riders, referred to as boarders or skateboarders.

One of the earliest skateboard tricks invented was the Ollie – and originated in the 1970’s – more specifically it was developed by Alan Gelfand in 1976. Interestingly enough, his nickname was “Ollie” hence the name of the trick. The Ollie is required for many other skateboarding tricks like the kick flip, heel flip and pop shove it. The Ollie is executed as the board is in the air and requires coordination of both feet to maneuver the board.

The Nollie is an Ollie completed with the nose of the board rather than the tail. This is just one of many variations that have been since developed on the Ollie. The Fakie Ollie is an trick in which the skateboarder is completing an ollie whilst riding backwards. Not only is an Ollie the first trick that most skateboarders learn but many realize it will become the basis and foundation of their skill as skateboarders.

In the 80s a famous skateboarder by the name of Rodney Mullen invented something that he referred to as the magic flip which we now know as the kick flip. Kick flips are one of the easiest tricks to learn, but require  good Ollie skills, like many other tricks.

Skateboard tricks are being developed to this very day by professional and amateurs alike. All it takes is new props, quality skateboards, new variations and a variety of skill levels.